Longview Man Becomes Army Combat Medic

As conflict continues in Iraq and Afghanistan, one East Texas soldier has trained to become one of the most important resources on the battlefield, an Army Combat Medic. Saving lives is a medics primary mission, but before Army Combat Medics become lifesavers, they endure four months of grueling training at Fort Sam Houston near San Antonio. Private Matt Shott, 22 of Longview is home on two weeks leave, as a new army medic.

"I wanted to do something constructive, doing something really important, and I didn't really know it at the time, but when I went through the training I saw that we were an extremely vital asset, and I really enjoy being one of the first ones out there to help," said Shott. He's undergone some of the army's most intense training in saving lives under fire, while fighting enemy insurgents at the same time. Everything from real IV's, to mock lifesaving techniques on artificial casualties. Matt's father, Andrew Shott, says he admires his son's commitment to saving lives.

"I'm very proud that he chose that profession," said Andrew Shott. "I think it's a great thing because he gets to get out there and make a difference." More than half of the army medics will find themselves making split second decisions treating casualties, something Shott says he's prepared for.

"Its an awesome feeling knowing that you're the first line of defense on the battlefield, knowing that you have the power to save a life," said Shott. More than 90 percent of battlefield casualties survive because of the efforts of combat medics. Matt hopes he will make that difference for future soldiers.

"It's doing something important that I believe in," said Shott. Shott will report to Fort Bliss in El Paso in April to await his orders. More than half of the medics trained in the course will be deployed to combat areas.

Bullard is ready to compete for a playoff spot in the District of Doom.

Once again, we are giving you two Red Zone rundowns for the price of one. Just like in Lindale, the Bullard players are learning a new head coach during fall camp. East Texas native Scott Callaway is now in charge of the Panthers program.

Once again, we are giving you two Red Zone rundowns for the price of one. Just like in Lindale, the Bullard players are learning a new head coach during fall camp. East Texas native Scott Callaway is now in charge of the Panthers program.

With the smallest enrollment in District 17-5A, and really across the entire classification, Lindale could use that as an excuse for a sub-par season. But under defensive coordinator, turned head coach Chris Cochran, that won't be the case.

With the smallest enrollment in District 17-5A, and really across the entire classification, Lindale could use that as an excuse for a sub-par season. But under defensive coordinator, turned head coach Chris Cochran, that won't be the case.

"A lot of people thought tonight was about peaceful protesters countering something," event speaker DG Montalvo said. "But it wasn't. It was about getting together and encouraging each other without ideology."

"A lot of people thought tonight was about peaceful protesters countering something," event speaker DG Montalvo said. "But it wasn't. It was about getting together and encouraging each other without ideology."